The blindness of spectacle

A trend in many modern stories is for spectacle. What I mean is it's not the story as a whole that's the big draw, but certain portions and even little set pieces. Movies are of particular note, since everything is visual enticement. Movie previews love to show "money shots" where something impressive is happening, but these spectacles don't make a story--frequently they totally detract from the plot, in the vain search for heightened emotions. The problem is that spectacle can blind the audience to the otherwise lack of depth in the story. Sure, an audience is dazzled by what's happening, but when they reflect on their experience they'll discover a profound lack of substance. That's the danger.

Stories are a series of events strung together in meaningful ways. Memorable scenes are touchstones for a good story, but shouldn't be based upon them. Stich them together and let the audience decide what should be the spectacles. Of course, it's hard not to make a spectacle out of something like the Battle of Helms Deep (Lord of the Rings), or the sinking of the Titanic, or the sunset of twin suns in Star Wars. It's magical when these things happen naturally and I'm dazzled by authors who manage the trick.

My favorite stories roll along like unstoppable juggernauts, where the heroes are barely keeping up and the villain is pulling all the strings. Well, the other way around is fun too, I fully admit. All that really matters is having a good time and being entertained. We search out stories to step away from life for a little while. It's escapism. So, like beauty, a story is in the eye of the beholder. If it works, then who cares if it follows the rules.

- M